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February 6, 2017

Victim Identified in Confirmed Hit & Run Fatality Investigation

Updated Information as of 2/7/17 Santa Cruz Police Department and the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office have confirmed the deceased woman found yesterday in the roadway was a victim of a vehicle versus pedestrian collision.

The victim in the hit and run investigation has been identified as Bianca Zipper, a 26-year-old Austrian citizen. She and her husband were traveling through Santa Cruz on vacation.

Detectives are following up on video surveillance in the area looking for additional information or evidence.

The Santa Cruz Police Department is requesting assistance from any potential witnesses or member of the public who may have information regarding this case.

Background:On Monday 2/6/2017 at approximately 2:38 am, the Santa Cruz Police Department and the Santa Cruz Fire Department responded to the report of a woman found lying in the roadway on Seabright Avenue south of Broadway. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel.

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has information is asked to Detective Williams at dwilliams@cityofsantacruz.com or 831-420-5839 or leave a message with our anonymous tip-line 831-420-5995.

2/6/17 - Media ReleaseThe Santa Cruz Police is seeking assistance with a possible hit and run fatality that occurred on 2/6/2017.

On Monday 2/6/2017 at approximately 2:38 am, the Santa Cruz Police responded to the report of a person lying in the roadway on Seabright Avenue south of Broadway. On arrival, Officers located a woman who was pronounced deceased by medical personnel.

After an initial investigation by the Santa Cruz Police Department and the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office, it was determined that the deceased was possibly the victim of a hit and run driver.

The victim was in her mid-20’s. It is unknown at this time what ties, if any, she had to the Santa Cruz Community.

The identity of the victim will be withheld until proper notification of next of kin is complete. The Santa Cruz Police and the Coroner’s office will release the victim’s name at that time.

Currently, no vehicle descriptions are available. The Santa Cruz Police Department is requesting assistance from any potential witnesses or member of the public who may have information regarding this case.

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has information is asked to Detective Williams at dwilliams@cityofsantacruz.com or 831-420-5839 or leave a message with our anonymous tip-line 831-420-5995.